Piperidine compounds

ABSTRACT

Disclosed are novel compounds of the formula 
                 
 
     Also disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds of Formula I. 
     Also disclosed are methods of treating various diseases or conditions, such as, for example, allergy, allergy-induced airway responses, and congestion (e.g., nasal congestion) using the compounds of Formula I. 
     Also disclosed are methods of treating various diseases or conditions, such as, for example, allergy, allergy-induced airway responses, and congestion (e.g., nasal congestion) using the compounds of Formula I in combination with a H. receptor antagonist.

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This Application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/275,417 filed Mar. 13, 2001.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

WO 95/14007 published May 26, 1995 discloses H₃ receptor antagonists of the imidazole type.

WO 99/24405 published May 20, 1999 discloses H₃ receptor ligands of the imidazole type.

U.S. Pat No. 5,869,479 issued Feb. 9, 1999 discloses compositions for the treatment of the symptoms of allergic rhinitis using a combination of at least one histamine H₁ receptor antagonist and at least one histamine H₃ receptor antagonist.

In view of the art's interest in compounds which affect H₃ receptors, novel compounds that are antagonists of H₃ receptors would be a welcome contribution to the art. This invention provides just such a contribution.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides novel compounds of structure I.

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof, wherein:

(A) R¹ is selected from:

-   -   (1) aryl;     -   (2) heteroaryl;     -   (3) heterocycloalkyl     -   (4) alkyl;     -   (5) —C(O)N(R^(4B))₂;     -   (6) cycloalkyl;     -   (7) arylalkyl;     -   (8) heteroarylheteroaryl (e.g., isoxazoylthienyl or         pyridylthienyl); or     -   (9) a group selected from:     -    said aryl (see (A)(1) above), heteroaryl (see (A)(2) above),         aryl portion of arylalkyl (see (A)(7) above), phenyl ring of         formula II (see (A)(9) above), phenyl ring of formula III (see         (A)(9) above), phenyl rings of formula IVB (see (A)(9) above),         or phenyl rings of formula IVD (see (A)(9) above) are optionally         substituted with 1 to 3 substituents independently selected         from:     -   (1) halogen (e.g., Br, F, or Cl, preferably F or Cl);     -   (2) hydroxyl (i.e., —OH);     -   (3) lower alkoxy (e.g., C₁ to C₆ alkoxy, preferably C₁ to C₄         alkoxy, more preferably C₁ to C₂ alkoxy, most preferably         methoxy);     -   (4) —Oaryl (i.e., aryloxy);     -   (5) —SR²²;     -   (6) —CF₃;     -   (7) —OCF₃;     -   (8) —OCHF₂;     -   (10) phenyl;     -   (11) NO₂,     -   (12) —CO₂R⁴;     -   (13) —CON(R⁴)₂ wherein each R⁴ is the same or different;     -   (14) —S(O)₂R²²;     -   (15) —S(O)₂N(R²⁰)₂ wherein each R²⁰ is the same or different;     -   (16) —N(R²⁴)S(O)₂R²²;     -   (17) —CN;     -   (18) —CH₂OH;     -   (19) —OCH₂CH₂OR²²;     -   (20) alkyl (e.g., C₁ to C₄, such as methyl);     -   (21) substituted phenyl wherein said phenyl has 1 to 3         substituents independently selected from alkyl, halogen, —CN,         —NO₂, —OCHF₂, —Oalkyl;     -   (22) —Oalkylaryl (preferably —Oalkylphenyl or         —Oalkyl-substituted phenyl, e.g., —OCH₂dichlorophenyl, such as         —OCH₂-2,6-dichlorophenyl or —OCH₂-2-chloro-6-fluorophenyl)         wherein said aryl group is optionally substituted with 1 to 3         independently selected halogens; or     -   (23) phenyl;

(B) X is selected from alkyl (e.g., —(CH₂)_(q)— or branched alkyl) or —S(O)₂—;

(C) Y represents

-   -   (1) a single bond (i.e., Y represents a direct bond from M¹ to         M²); or     -   (2) Y is selected from —C(O)—, —C(S)—, —(CH₂)_(q)—, or         —NR⁴C(O)—; with the provisos that:         -   (a) when M¹ is N, then Y is not —NR⁴C(O)—; and         -   (b) when Y is a bond, then M¹ and M² are both carbon;

(D) M¹ and M² are independently selected from C or N;

(E) Z is selected from: C₁-C₆ alkyl, —SO₂—, —C(O)— or —C(O)NR⁴—;

(F) R² is selected from:

-   -   (1) a six-membered heteroaryl ring having 1 or 2 heteroatoms         independently selected from N or N—O (i.e., N-oxide), with the         remaining ring atoms being carbon;     -   (2) a five-membered heteroaryl ring having 1 to 3 heteroatoms         selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur with the remaining         ring atoms being carbon; or     -   (3) an alkyl group, preferably a C₁ to C₄ alkyl group, more         preferably methyl;     -   (4) an aryl group, e.g., phenyl or substituted phenyl         (preferably phenyl), wherein said substituted phenyl is         substituted with 1 to 3 substituents independently selected         from: halogen, —Oalkyl, —OCF₃, —CF₃, —CN, —NO₂, —NHC(O)CH₃, or         —O(CH₂)_(q)N(R^(10A))₂;     -   (5) —N(R^(11A))₂ wherein each R^(11A) is independently selected         from: H, alkyl (e.g., i-propyl) or aryl (e.g., phenyl),         preferably one R^(11A) is H and the other is phenyl or alkyl         (e.g., i-propyl);     -   (6) a group of the formula:     -   (7) a heteroarylheteroaryl group, e.g.,     -    said five membered heteroaryl ring ((F)(2) above) or         six-membered heteroaryl ring ((F)(1) above) is optionally         substituted with 1 to 3 substituents selected from:         -   (a) halogen;         -   (b) hydroxyl;         -   (c) lower alkyl;         -   (d) lower alkoxy;         -   (e) —CF₃;         -   (f) —NR⁴R⁵;         -   (g) phenyl;         -   (h) —NO₂;         -   (i) —C(O)N(R⁴)₂ (wherein each R⁴ is the same or different);         -   (j) —C(O)₂R⁴; or         -   (k) phenyl substituted with 1 to 3 substituents             independently selected from: halogen, —Oalkyl, —OCF₃, —CF₃,             —CN, —NO₂ or —O(CH₂)_(q)N(R^(10A))₂;

(G) R³ is is selected from:

-   -   (1) aryl;     -   (2) heteroaryl;     -   (3) heterocycloalkyl     -   (4) alkyl; or     -   (5) cycloalkyl;         -   wherein said aryl or heteroaryl R³ groups is optionally             substituted with 1 to 3 substituents independently selected             from:             -   (a) halogen (e.g., Br, F, or Cl, preferably F or Cl);             -   (b) hydroxyl (i.e., —OH);             -   (c) lower alkoxy (e.g., C₁ to C₆ alkoxy, preferably C₁                 to C₄ alkoxy, more preferably C₁ to C₂ alkoxy, most                 preferably methoxy);             -   (d) —Oaryl (i.e., aryloxy);             -   (e) —SR²²;             -   (f) —CF₃;             -   (g) —OCF₃;             -   (h) —OCHF₂;             -   (i) —NR⁴R⁵;             -   (j) phenyl;             -   (k) —NO₂,             -   (l) —CO₂R⁴;             -   (m) —CON(R⁴)₂ wherein each R⁴ is the same or different;             -   (n) —S(O)₂R²²;             -   (o) —S(O)₂N(R²⁰)₂ wherein each R²⁰ is the same or                 different;             -   (p) —N(R²⁴)S(O)₂R²²;             -   (q) —CN;             -   (r) —CH₂OH;             -   (s) —OCH₂CH₂OR²²; or             -   (t) alkyl;

(H) R⁴ is selected from:

-   -   (1) hydrogen;     -   (2) C₁-C₆ alkyl;     -   (3) cycloalkyl;     -   (4) cycloalkylalkyl (e.g., cyclopropyl-CH₂— or cyclohexyl-CH₂—);     -   (5) heterocycloalkylalky (e.g., tetrahydrofuranyl-CH₂—);     -   (6) bridged bicyclic cycloalkyl ring, such as, for example:     -   (7) aryl having a fused heterocycloalkyl ring bound to said aryl         ring, preferably the heteroatoms in said heterocycloalkyl ring         are two oxygen atoms, e.g., phenyl having a heterocycloalkyl         ring bound to said phenyl ring, such as     -   (8) aryl;     -   (9) arylalkyl;     -   (10) alkylaryl;     -   (11) —(CH₂)_(d)CH(R^(12A))₂ wherein d is 1 to 3 (preferably 1),         and each R^(12A) is independently selected from phenyl or         substituted phenyl, said substituted phenyl being substituted         with 1 to 3 substituents independently selected from: halogen,         —Oalkyl, —OCF₃, —CF₃, —CN, or —NO₂, e.g.,     -   (12) heterocycloalkylheteroaryl, e.g.,     -   (13) —(C₁ to C₆)alkylene-O—R²² (e.g., —C₃H₆OCH₃);         -   wherein the aryl R⁴ group, the aryl portion of the arylalkyl             R⁴ group, or the aryl portion of the alkylaryl R⁴ group is             optionally substituted with 1 to 3 substituents             independently selected from:             -   (a) halogen;             -   (b) hydroxyl;             -   (c) lower alkyl;             -   (d) lower alkoxy;             -   (e) —CF₃;             -   (f) —N(R²⁰)(R²⁴),             -   (g) phenyl;             -   (h) —NO₂;             -   (i) —C(O)N(R²⁰)₂ (wherein each R²⁰ is the same or                 different),             -   (j) —C(O)R²²;             -   (i) —(CH₂)_(k)-cycloalkyl;             -   (j) —(CH₂)_(q)-aryl; or             -   (k) —(CH₂)_(m)—OR²²;

(I) each R^(4B) is independently selected from: H, heteroaryl (e.g., pyridyl), alkyl, alkenyl (e.g., allyl), a group of the formula

arylalkyl (e.g., benzyl), or arylalkyl wherein the aryl moiety is substitued with 1-3 substituents independently selected from: halogen (e.g. —CH₂-p-Clphenyl); preferably one R^(4B) is H;

(J) R⁵ is selected from: hydrogen, C₁-C₆ alkyl, —C(O)R²⁰ (e.g., —C(O)alkyl, such as —C(O)CH₃), —C(O)₂R²⁰, —C(O)N(R²⁰)₂ (wherein each R²⁰ is the same or different);

(K) each R^(10A) is independently selected from H or C₁ to C₆ alkyl (e.g., methyl), or each R^(10A), taken together with the nitrogen atom to which they are bound, forms a 4 to 7 membered heterocycloalkyl ring;

(L) R¹² is

-   -   (1) selected from alkyl, hydroxyl, alkoxy, or fluoro, provided         that when R¹² is hydroxy or fluoro then R¹² is not bound to a         carbon adjacent to a nitrogen; or     -   (2) R¹² forms an alkyl bridge from one ring carbon to another         ring carbon, an example of such a bridged ring system is:

(M) R¹³ is

-   -   (1) selected from alkyl, hydroxyl, alkoxy, or fluoro, provided         that when R¹³ is hydroxy or fluoro then R¹³ is not bound to a         carbon adjacent to a nitrogen; or     -   (2) R¹³ forms an alkyl bridge from one ring carbon to another         ring carbon, an example of such a bridged ring system is:

(N) R²⁰ is selected from hydrogen, alkyl, or aryl, wherein said aryl group is optionally substituted with from 1 to 3 groups independently selected from: halogen, —CF₃, —OCF₃, hydroxyl, or methoxy; or when two R²⁰ groups are present, said two R²⁰ groups taken together with the nitrogen to which they are bound form a five or six membered heterocyclic ring;

(O) R²² is selected from: heterocycloalkyl (e.g., morpholinyl or pyrrolidinyl), alkyl or aryl, wherein said aryl group is optionally substituted with 1 to 3 groups independently selected from halogen, —CF₃, —OCF₃, hydroxyl, or methoxy;

(P) R²⁴ is selected from: hydrogen, alkyl, —SO₂R²², or aryl, wherein said aryl group is optionally substituted with 1 to 3 groups independently selected from halogen, —CF₃, —OCF₃, hydroxyl, or methoxy;

(Q) a is 0 to 2;

(R) b is 0 to 2;

(S) k is 1 to 5;

(T) m is 2 to 5;

(U) n is 1, 2 or 3 with the proviso that when M¹ is N, then n is not 1;

(V) p is 1, 2 or 3 with the proviso that when M² is N, then p is not 1;

(W) q is 1 to 5; and

(X) r is 1, 2, or 3 with the proviso that when r is 2 or 3, then M² is C and p is 1.

This invention also provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising an effective amount of compound of Formula I, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

This invention further provides a method of treating: allergy, allergy-induced airway (e.g., upper airway) responses, congestion (e.g., nasal congestion), hypotension, cardiovascular disease, hypotension, diseases of the GI tract, hyper and hypo motility and acidic secretion of the gastro-intestinal tract, obesity, sleeping disorders (e.g., hypersomnia, somnolence, and narcolepsy), disturbances of the central nervous system, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder ADHD), hypo and hyperactivity of the central nervous system (for example, agitation and depression), and/or other CNS disorders (such as Alzheimer's, schizophrenia, and migraine) comprising administering to a patient in need of such treatment (e.g., a mammal, such as a human being) an effective amount of a compound of Formula I.

This invention further provides a method of treating: allergy comprising administering to a patient in need of such treatment (e.g., a mammal, such as a human being) an effective amount of a compound of Formula I.

This invention further provides a method of treating: allergy-induced airway (e.g., upper airway) responses comprising administering to a patient in need of such treatment (e.g., a mammal, such as a human being) an effective amount of a compound of Formula I.

This invention further provides a method of treating: congestion (e.g., nasal congestion) comprising administering to a patient in need of such treatment (e.g., a mammal, such as a human being) an effective amount of a compound of Formula I.

This invention further provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising an effective amount of a compound of Formula I, and an effective amount of a H₁ receptor antagonist in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

This invention further provides a method of treating: allergy, allergy-induced airway (e.g., upper airway) responses, and congestion (e.g., nasal congestion) comprising administering to a patient in need of such treatment (e.g., a mammal, such as a human being) an effective amount of a compound of Formula I in combination with an effective amount of an H₁ receptor antagonist.

This invention further provides a method of treating: allergy comprising administering to a patient in need of such treatment (e.g., a mammal, such as a human being) an effective amount of a compound of Formula I in combination with an effective amount of an H₁ receptor antagonist.

This invention further provides a method of treating: allergy-induced airway (e.g., upper airway) responses comprising administering to a patient in need of such treatment (e.g., a mammal, such as a human being) an effective amount of a compound of Formula I in combination with an effective amount of an H₁ receptor antagonist.

This invention further provides a method of treating: congestion (e.g., nasal congestion) comprising administering to a patient in need of such treatment (e.g., a mammal, such as a human being) an effective amount of a compound of Formula I in combination with an effective amount of an H₁ receptor antagonist.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As used herein, the following terms have the following meanings, unless indicated otherwise:

-   -   alkyl—(including the alkyl portions of alkylamino, alkylaryl,         arylalkyl, alkoxy and dialkylamino)—represents straight and         branched carbon chains and contains from one to twenty carbon         atoms, preferably one to six carbon atoms;     -   alkylaryl—represents an alkyl group, as defined above, bound to         an aryl group, as defined below, wherein said aryl group is         bound to the compound;     -   aryl (including the aryl portion of alkylaryl and         arylalkyl)—represents a carbocyclic group containing from 6 to         15 carbon atoms and having at least one aromatic ring (e.g.,         aryl is a phenyl or naphthyl ring), with all available         substitutable carbon atoms of the carbocyclic group being         intended as possible points of attachment, said carbocyclic         group being optionally substituted with one or more (e.g., 1         to 3) substituents independently selected from: halo, alkyl,         hydroxy, alkoxy, phenoxy, CF₃, amino, alkylamino, dialkylamino,         —COOR²⁰ or —NO₂;     -   arylalkyl—represents an aryl group, as defined above, bound to         an alkyl group, as defined above, wherein said alkyl group is         bound to the compound;     -   bridged bicyclic cycloalkyl rings—represents a cycloalkyl ring,         as defined below, having an alkyl (as defined above) bridge from         one ring carbon to another ring carbon thereby forming a         bicyclic cycloalkyl ring, e.g.,     -   cycloalkyl—represents saturated carbocyclic rings of from 3 to         20 carbon atoms, preferably 3 to 7 carbon atoms;     -   halo (halogen)—represents fluoro, chloro, bromo and iodo; and     -   heteroaryl—represents cyclic groups, having at least one         heteroatom selected from O, S or N, said heteroatom interrupting         a carbocyclic ring structure and having a sufficient number of         delocalized pi electrons to provide aromatic character, with the         aromatic heterocyclic groups preferably containing from 2 to 14         carbon atoms; examples include but are not limited to         isothiazolyl, isoxazolyl, oxazolyl, furazanyl, triazolyl,         thiazolyl, thienyl, furanyl (furyl), pyrrolyl, pyrazolyl,         pyranyl, pyrimidinyl, pyrazinyl, pyridazinyl, pyridyl (e.g., 2-,         3-, or 4-pyridyl), pyridyl N-oxide (e.g., 2-, 3-, or 4-pyridyl         N-oxide), triazinyl, pyridinyl, indolyl (benzopyrrolyl),         pyridopyrazinyl, isoqinolinyl, quinolinyl, naphthyridinyl,         wherein said pyridyl N-oxide can be represented as:     -   heterocycloalkyl—represents a saturated, carbocylic ring         containing from 3 to 15 carbon atoms, preferably from 4 to 6         carbon atoms, which carbocyclic ring is interrupted by 1 to 3         hetero groups selected from —O—, —S—, —SO—, —SO₂ or —NR⁴⁰—         wherein R⁴⁰ represents H, C₁ to C₆ alkyl, arylalkyl, —C(O)R²⁰,         —C(O)OR²⁰, or —C(O)N(R²⁰)₂(wherein each R²⁰ is independently         selected); examples include but are not limited to 2- or         3-tetrahydrofuranyl, 2- or 3- tetrahydrothienyl, 2-, 3- or         4-piperidinyl, 2- or 3-pyrrolidinyl, 2- or 3-piperizinyl, 2- or         4-dioxanyl, 1,3-dioxolanyl, 1,3,5-trithianyl, pentamethylene         sulfide, perhydroisoquinolinyl, decahydroquinolinyl,         trimethylene oxide, azetidinyl, 1-azacycloheptanyl,         1,3-dithianyl, 1,3,5-trioxanyl, morpholinyl, thiomorpholinyl,         1,4-thioxanyl, and 1,3,5-hexahydrotriazinyl, thiazolidinyl,         tetrahydropyranyl;     -   heterocycloalkylheteroaryl—represents a heteroaryl group as         defined above bound to a heterocycloalkyl as defined above;     -   lower alkyl—represents an alkyl group, as defined above, that         comprises 1 to 6 carbon atoms, preferably 1-4 carbon atoms;     -   lower alkoxy—represents an alkoxy group whose alkyl moiety         comprises 1 to 6 carbon atoms, preferably 1-4 carbon atoms;     -   Ac—represents acetyl (i.e.,CH₃C(O)—);     -   t-BOC—represents t-butyloxycarbonyl;     -   Ci/mmol—represents curie/mmol (a measure of specific activity);     -   DCC—represents dicyclohexylcarbodiimide;     -   DEC—represents 2-diethylaminoethyl chloride hydrochloride;     -   DIC—represenets diisopropylcarbodiimide;     -   DMF—represents dimethylformamide;     -   DMSO—represents dimethylsulfoxide;     -   EtOAc—represents ethyl acetate;     -   EtOH—represents ethanol;     -   FMOC—represents 9-fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl;     -   HOBT—represents 1-hydroxybenzotriazole;     -   Ki—represents inhibition constant for substrate/receptor         complex;     -   LiOH—represents lithium hydroxide;     -   Me—represents methyl;     -   MeOH—represents methanol;     -   nM—represents nanomolar;     -   PyBOP—represents         benzotriazole-1-yl-oxy-trispyrrolidino-phosphonium         hexaflurophosphate;     -   TFA—represents trifluoroacetic acid;     -   THF—represents tetrahydrofuran;

Also, as used herein, “upper airway” usually means the upper respiratory system—i.e., the nose, throat, and associated structures.

Also, as used herein, “effective amount” generally means a therapeutically effective amount.

Lines drawn into the rings indicate that the indicated bond may be attached to any of the substitutable ring carbon atoms.

Certain compounds of the invention may exist in different isomeric (e.g., enantiomers, diastereoisomers and geometric) forms. The invention contemplates all such isomers both in pure form and in admixture, including racemic mixtures. Enol forms are also included.

The compounds of this invention are ligands for the histamine H₃ receptor. The compounds of this invention can also be described as antagonists of the H₃ receptor, or as H₃ antagonists.

The compounds of the invention are basic and form pharmaceutically acceptable salts with organic and inorganic acids. Examples of suitable acids for such salt formation are hydrochloric, sulfuric, phosphoric, acetic, citric, oxalic, malonic, salicylic, malic, fumaric, succinic, ascorbic, maleic, methanesulfonic and other mineral and carboxylic acids well known to those skilled in the art. The salts are prepared by contacting the free base form with a sufficient amount of the desired acid to produce a salt in the conventional manner. The free base forms may be regenerated by treating the salt with a suitable dilute aqueous base solution such as dilute aqueous sodium hydroxide, potassium carbonate, ammonia and sodium bicarbonate. The free base forms differ from their corresponding salt forms somewhat in certain physical properties, such as solubility in polar solvents, but the salts are otherwise equivalent to their corresponding free base forms for purposes of this invention.

The compounds of Formula I can exist in unsolvated as well as solvated forms, including hydrated forms, e.g., hemi-hydrate. In general, the solvated forms, with pharmaceutically acceptable solvents such as water, ethanol and the like are equivalent to the unsolvated forms for purposes of the invention.

The compounds of this invention can be combined with an H₁ receptor antagonist (i.e., the compounds of this invention can be combined with an H₁ receptor antagonist in a pharmaceutical composition, or the compounds of this invention can be administered with H₁ receptor antagonist).

Numerous chemical substances are known to have histamine H₁ receptor antagonist activity and can therefore be used in the methods of this invention. Many H₁ receptor antagonist useful in the methods of this invention can be classified as ethanolamines, ethylenediamines, alkylamines, phenothiazines or piperidines. Representative H₁ receptor antagonists include, without limitation: astemizole, azatadine, azelastine, acrivastine, brompheniramine, cetirizine, chlorpheniramine, clemastine, cyclizine, carebastine, cyproheptadine, carbinoxamine, descarboethoxyloratadine (also known as SCH-34117), diphenhydramine, doxylamine, dimethindene, ebastine, epinastine, efletirizine, fexofenadine, hydroxyzine, ketotifen, loratadine, levocabastine, meclizine, mizolastine, mequitazine, mianserin, noberastine, norastemizole, picumast, pyrilamine, promethazine, terfenadine, tripelennamine, temelastine, trimeprazine and triprolidine. Other compounds can readily be evaluated to determine activity at H₁ receptors by known methods, including specific blockade of the contractile response to histamine of isolated guinea pig ileum. See for example, WO 98/06394 published Feb. 19, 1998.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the H₁ receptor antagonist is used at its known therapeutically effective dose, or the H₁ receptor antagonist is used at its normally prescribed dosage.

Preferably, said H₁ receptor antagonist is selected from: astemizole, azatadine, azelastine, acrivastine, brompheniramine, cetirizine, chlorpheniramine, clemastine, cyclizine, carebastine, cyproheptadine, carbinoxamine, descarboethoxyloratadine, diphenhydramine, doxylamine, dimethindene, ebastine, epinastine, efletirizine, fexofenadine, hydroxyzine, ketotifen, loratadine, levocabastine, meclizine, mizolastine, mequitazine, mianserin, noberastine, norastemizole, picumast, pyrilamine, promethazine, terfenadine, tripelennamine, temelastine, trimeprazine or triprolidine.

More preferably, said H₁ receptor antagonist is selected from: astemizole, azatadine, azelastine, brompheniramine, cetirizine, chlorpheniramine, clemastine, carebastine, descarboethoxyloratadine, diphenhydramine, doxylamine, ebastine, fexofenadine, loratadine, levocabastine, mizolastine, norastemizole, or terfenadine.

Most preferably, said H₁ receptor antagonist is selected from: azatadine, brompheniramine, cetirizine, chlorpheniramine, carebastine, descarboethoxy-loratadine (also known as SCH-34117), diphenhydramine, ebastine, fexofenadine, loratadine, or norastemizole.

Even more preferably, said H₁ antagonist is selected from: loratadine, descarboethoxyloratadine, fexofenadine or cetirizine. Still even more preferably, said H₁ antagonist is loratadine or descarboethoxyloratadine.

In one preferred embodiment, said H₁ receptor antagonist is loratadine.

In another preferred embodiment, said H₁ receptor antagonist is descarboethoxyloratadine.

In still another preferred embodiment, said H₁ receptor antagonist is fexofenadine.

In yet another preferred embodiment, said H₁ receptor antagonist is cetirizine.

Preferably, in the above methods, allergy-induced airway responses are treated.

Also, preferably, in the above methods, allergy is treated.

Also, preferably, in the above methods, nasal congestion is treated.

In the methods of this invention wherein a combination of an H₃ antagonist of this invention (compound of Formula I) is administered with a H₁ antagonist, the antagonists can be administered simultaneously, consecutively (one after the other within a relatively short period of time), or sequentially (first one and then the other over a period of time). In general, when the antagonists are administered consecutively or sequentially, the H₃ antagonist of this invention (compound of Formula I) is administered first.

Compounds of Formula I include compounds of the formula:

wherein R¹, X, n, M¹, R¹², a, Y, M², R¹³, b, p, Z and R² are as defined for Formula I.

Compounds of Formula I also include compounds of the formula:

wherein R¹, X, n, M¹, R¹², a, Y, R¹³, b, r, Z and R² are as defined for Formula I.

R¹ is preferably selected from:

-   -   (1) substituted aryl, more preferably substituted phenyl;     -   (2) substituted heteroaryl, more preferably substituted         isoxazolyl; or     -   (3) formula IVA wherein each R³ is independently selected, more         preferably each R³ is alkyl, most preferably each R³ is C₁ to C₄         alkyl, even more preferably each R³ is the same moiety, and         still more preferably each R³ is methyl.

Preferably, when R¹ is a substituted phenyl group, the phenyl group has 1 to 3 substituents and the substituents are independently selected from:

-   -   (1) —C(O)N(R⁴)₂, preferably each R⁴ is independently selected,         more preferably each R⁴ is independently selected from H or         arylalkyl (e.g., —CH₂CH₂phenyl), most preferably one R⁴ is H and         the other is arylalkyl, even more preferably one R⁴ is H and the         other R⁴is —CH₂CH₂phenyl;     -   (2) halo, more preferably 1 to 3 halos independently selected         from Br, Cl and F;     -   (3) —S(O)₂R²², more preferably R²² is heterocycloalkyl, most         preferably R²² is morpholinyl or pyrrolidinyl;     -   (4) —OCF₃;     -   (5) —OCHF₂; or     -   (6) —S(O)₂N(R²⁰)₂, more preferably each R²⁰ is independently         selected from alkyl or substituted phenyl, most preferably C₁ to         C₄ alkyl or halo substituted phenyl, even more preferably methyl         or chlorophenyl; still more preferably each R²⁰ is methyl or one         R²⁰ is methyl and the other R²⁰ is chlorophenyl.

Preferably, when R¹ is a substituted isoxazolyl group the isoxazolyl group has 1 or 2 substituents independently selected from:

-   -   (1) alkyl, more preferably C₁ to C₄ alkyl, most preferably         methyl; or     -   (2) substituted phenyl, more preferably halo substituted phenyl         (1 to 3 halo groups, preferably one halo group), most preferably         chloro substituted phenyl (e.g., chlorophenyl).         More preferably the isoxazolyl is substituted with two alkyl         groups (most preferably two methyl groups), or one halophenyl         group (most preferably chlorophenyl).

Examples of R¹ groups include but are not limited to:

Preferably X is selected from —CH₂— (i.e., q is preferably 1) or —SO₂—. More preferably X is —CH₂—.

Preferably n is 2.

Preferably M¹ is N.

Preferably Y is —C(O)—.

Preferably M² is C.

Preferably p is 2.

Preferably r is 1.

Preferably Z is a C₁ to C₆ alkyl group. More preferably Z is

Most preferably Z is —CH₂—.

Preferably R² is a six membered heteroaryl ring or a substituted six membered heteroaryl ring, and more preferably the heteroaryl ring contains one nitrogen atom. Preferably the substituted heteroaryl ring is substituted with one —NR⁴R⁵, and more preferably the substituent is —NH₂. Most preferably R² is selected from

Preferably a is 0 and therefore there is no R¹² group present.

Preferably b is 0 or 1, more preferably 0. When b is 1 R¹³ is preferably —OH. More preferably, when b is 1, R¹³ is —OH bound to the M² substituent and M² is C.

Representative compounds of this invention include, but are not limited to: Compounds 18 (Example 1), 25 (Example 2), 26 (Example 3), 31 (Example 4), 33 (Example 5), 37 (Example 6), 41 (Example 7), 45 (Example 8), 49 (Example 9), 51 (Example 10), 52 (Example 11), 57 (Example 12), 58 to 67, 73 to 84, 89 to 157, 159 to 168, 212 to 269, 271 to 272, 276 to 282, 284, 285, 287 to 300, 306, 309 to 319, 321 to 336, 338 to 340, 342 to 349, 351 to 361, 363 to 371, 374 to 377, 380 to 383, 387 to 390, 392 to 406, and 408 to 410.

Preferred compounds are Compounds 93, 276, 306, 317, 331, 332, 333, 336, 366, 343, 366, 367, 374, and 376

More preferred compounds are Compounds 306, 332, 333, 336, 366, 374, and 376.

Structures for the above compounds are given below.

The following processes may be employed to produce compounds of the invention. Step 1

In Step 1, compound 1, in which Q is a protecting group such as a carbamate, amide, or a substituted benzylic group, is allowed to react with compound 2, in which L is a leaving group such as a halogen atom, in a suitable solvent such as THF, DMSO or DMF in the presence of a base such as a tertiary amine or an inorganic base such as Na₂CO₃ at a temperature sufficient to achieve a reasonable reaction rate. R¹², M¹, n, a, R¹, and X are as defined above. Alternatively, in the case when X is —(CH₂)_(q)—, L can equal an aldehyde group, CHO and X is —(CH₂)_(q-1)—. In that case, compounds 1 and 2 are combined in a solvent such as trifluoroethanol in the presence of sieves. A reducing agent, such as NaBH(OAc)₃ or NaCNBH₃ is added and the reaction stirred at a temperature suitable to complete the reaction. Step 2

In Step 2, the protecting group Q is removed. When said protecting group is a carbamate such as t-BOC, dilute acid is used. In the case of a benzyl group, catalytic hydrogenation is used. Step 3

When Y is C═O, amine 4 can be coupled to acid 5 (D is CO₂H, M² is carbon) using a number of methods well known in the art such as DCC or PyBOP. Alternatively, the acid 5 can be activated by conversion to the acid chloride or mixed anhydride and then reacted with the amine 4 to give 6. Suitable protecting groups for 5 include t-Boc or the like. Alternatively, when Y is —CH₂— and M² is carbon, D can be —CH₂—L (where L is a halogen) and the reaction can be performed as in Step 1. Step 4

Compound 6 in which the protecting group is a t-Boc can be deprotected under acidic conditions such as HCl in dioxane or TFA in CH₂Cl₂ to give the amine 7. Step 5

The amine 7 can be alkylated by reaction with the electrophile 8. In one case, L represents a carbonyl group and Z is a branched or straight chain alkyl group. Compounds 7 and 8 are combined in a solvent such as CH₂Cl₂ in the presence of sieves. After a suitable amount of time, a reducing agent such as NaBH(OAc)₃ is added to give the product I. Alternatively, when L is a halogen atom such as Cl or Br, and Z is a branched or straight chain alkyl group or —SO₂— 7 and 8 are combined in a solvent such as DMF in the presence of a tertiary amine base to give the product I.

Alternative Synthesis

An alternative approach to the synthesis of compounds of Formula I is given below. Step 1

In the same manner as Step 5, compounds 8 and 9 can be converted to 10. In the case when M² is carbon, D is CO₂alkyl and when M² is nitrogen, D is a protecting group such as the BOC group. Step 2

Compound 10 (D is CO₂alkyl) is saponified in a mixed solvent such as EtOH or MeOH and water, or THF, water, and MeOH using an alkali metal base such as LiOH or NaOH at a temperature of from 50 to 100° C. to give 11.

Compound 11 can be combined with compound 4 as described in Step 3. Step 3 (D is a Protecting Group)

Compound 10, in which D is a protecting group such as t-Boc and M² is nitrogen, can be deprotected under acidic conditions such as HCl in dioxane or TFA in CH₂Cl₂ to give the amine 12. Step 4

Compound 12 can be coupled with compound 4 using a reagent such as carbonyl diimidazole or the like in a solvent such as THF, ether or the like at a temperature from 0 to 60° C. to give compound I (Y is C═O, M¹ and M² are nitrogen).

Step 5

Compound I (Y is C═O) can be converted to compound I (Y is C═S) by treatment of I with a reagent such as Lawesson's reagent in a solvent such as toluene at a temperature from 20 to 100° C.

Synthesis (M¹ and M² are Carbon)

Step 1

A solution of an excess of 13 in a solvent such as THF, CH₂Cl₂ or the like is treated with a reagent such as BOC₂O or an acid chloride or anhydride at a temperature of from −20° C. to +30° C. to produce 14A in which PG is a BOC group, or an amide. Alternatively, a solution of an excess of 13 in a solvent such as THF, CH₂Cl₂ or the like is treated with a substituted or unsubstituted benzyl bromide in the presence of a base such as triethylamine to give 14A in which PG is a substituted benzyl group. Step 2

In Step 2, compound 14A, in which PG is a protecting group such as a carbamate, amide, or a substituted benzylic group, is allowed to react with compound 2, in which L is a leaving group such as a halogen atom, in a suitable solvent such as THF, DMSO or DMF in the presence of a base such as a tertiary amine or an inorganic base such as Na₂CO₃ at a temperature sufficient to achieve a reasonable reaction rate to give compound 15A. R¹², R¹³, M¹, n, p, a, b, r, R¹, and X are as defined for formula I. Alternatively, in the case when X is —(CH₂)_(q)—, L can equal an aldehyde group, CHO, and X is —(CH₂)_(q-1)—. In that case, compounds 14A and 2 are combined in a solvent such as trifluoroethanol in the presence of sieves and stirred for a suitable time. A reducing agent, such as NaBH(OAc)₃ or NaCNBH₃ is added and the mixture stirred at a temperature suitable to complete the reaction. Step 3

Compound 15A in which the protecting group is t-Boc can be deprotected under acidic conditions such as HCl in dioxane or TFA in CH₂Cl₂ to give the amine 16A. Alternatively, when PG is a benzyl group, it can be removed by catalytic hydrogenation using a catalyst such as Pd/C. Step 4

The amine 16A can be alkylated by reaction with the electrophile 8. In one case, L represents a carbonyl group and Z is a branched or straight chain alkyl group. Compounds 16A and 8 are combined in a solvent such as CH₂Cl₂ in the presence of sieves. After a suitable amount of time, a reducing agent such as NaBH(OAc)₃ is added to give the product 17A. Alternatively, when L is a halogen atom such as Cl or Br, and Z is a branched or straight chain alkyl group or —SO₂— 16A and 8 are combined in a solvent such as DMF in the presence of a tertiary amine base to give the product 17A.

Compounds useful in this invention are exemplified by the following examples which should not be construed as limiting the scope of the disclosure. Alternative mechanistic pathways and analogous structures within the scope of the invention may be apparent to those skilled in the art.

EXAMPLE 1

Step 1

Compound 14 (5 g, 43.8 mmol) and 2-bromobenzaldehyde (4.1 g, 22.2 mmol) were combined in CH₂Cl₂ (130 mL) and stirred for 2 h. Na(OAc)₃BH (6.4 g, 30.2 mmol) was added and the mixture stirred overnight at room temperature. The reaction was then washed with saturated NaHCO₃ and brine and dried. Filtration and concentration gave a residue which was purified by flash column chromatography (5% to 10% MeOH/NH₃ in CH₂Cl₂) to give 15 (3.44 g, 55%) Mass spectrum=453 (M+H). Step 2

A solution of 15 (2 g, 7.06 mmol), N-Boc isonipecotic acid (1.47 g, 6.42 mmol) and PyBOP (3.34 g, 6.42 mmol) in CH₂Cl₂ (20 mL) was cooled to 0° C. and diisopropyl ethyl amine (2.49 g, 19.3 mmol) was added. After 1 minute, the cooling bath was removed and the reaction stirred at room temperature for 48 hours. The reaction was washed with saturated NaHCO₃, dried (Na₂SO₄), and concentrated and the residue was purified by flash column chromatography (30% to 50% ethyl acetate in hexane) to give 16 (3 g, 60%). Step 3

A solution of 16 (3 g, 6.07 mmol) in CH₂Cl₂ (100 mL) at 0° C. was treated with 4 N HCl (8 mL) and the reaction stirred at room temperature overnight. The solvent was removed in vacuo and the residue was dissolved in water and the pH adjusted to 8 by addition of aqueous NaOH. The water was removed in vacuo and the residue dissolved in MeOH, filtered and concentrated to give 17 as a white solid (3 g, >100%) which was used as is. Mass spectrum: 394 (M+H). Step 4

In a manner similar to that described in Example 1, Step 1, 17 (0.95 g, 2.4 mmol) and pyridine-4-carboxaldehyde (0.22 g, 2.02 mmol) was converted to 18 (0.57 g, 58%). Mass spectrum: 485 (M+H).

EXAMPLE 2

Step 1

In a manner similar to that described in Example 1, Step 1, 19 (5 g, 26 mmol) and 2-bromobenzaldehyde (4.1 g, 21.7 mmol) was converted to 20 (6.2 g, 80%). Step 2

In a manner similar to that described in Example 1, Step 3, 20 (6.2 g, 17.5 mmol) was converted to 21 (5.5 g, 100%). Step 3

In a manner similar to that described in Example 1, Step 1, 22 (0.45 g, 3.6 mmol) and ethyl isonipecotate (0.7, 4.4 mmol) were converted to 23 (0.45 g, 64%). Step 4

A solution of 23 (0.45 g, 1.69 mmol) in MeOH (10 mL) was treated with 1 N KOH (5 mL) and the mixture was heated to 60° C. overnight. The reaction was cooled and concentrated. The residue was dissolved in water and extracted with ethyl acetate. The pH of the aqueous phase was adjusted to 6-7 by addition of 1N HCl. The water was removed in vacuo and the residue taken up in MeOH, filtered and concentrated to give 24 which was used in the next step as is. Step 5

In a manner similar to that described in Example 1, Step 2, 21 (0.35 g, 1.39 mmol) and 24 (0.3 g, 1.26 mmol) was converted to 25 (0.50 g, 66%). Mass spectrum: 475 (M+H).

EXAMPLE 3

To a solution of 25 (0.11 g, 0.23 mmol) in 2-propanol (6 mL) in a pressure vessel was added triethylamine (7 mL) and methylamine hydrochloride (3 g, 44.4 mmol) and the reaction heated to 95° C. for 6 days. The reaction was cooled and the solvent removed in vacuo. The residue was dissolved in ethyl acetate and washed with half saturated NaHCO₃. The organic layer was dried and concentrated, and the residue purified on a flash column (20% MeOH in ethyl acetate) to give 26 (40 mg, 36%). Mass spectrum: 486 (M+H).

EXAMPLE 4

Step 1

In a manner similar to that described in Example 1, Step 1, 27 (2 g, 18.3 mmol) and ethyl isonipecotate (3.5, 22 mmol) were converted to 28 (4.5 g, 99%). Step 2

A solution of n-BuLi (3 mL of a 1.6 M solution in hexane, 4.8 mmol) in THF (25 mL) was treated at −25° C. with (i-Pr)₂NH (0.49 g, 4.8 mmol). The reaction was stirred for 1 h at 0° C. and then cooled to −70° C. Compound 28 (1.0 g, 4 mmol) in THF (3 mL) was added dropwise and the reaction stirred at −70° C. for 2 h and −50° C. for 2 h. The reaction was recooled to −70° C. and (1S)-(+)-(10-camphorsulfonyl)oxaziridine (1.04 g, 4.52 mmol) in THF (10 mL) was added. The reaction was stirred at −70° C. for 2 h and slowly warmed to room temperature overnight. The reaction was quenched by the addition of saturated aqueous NH₄Cl and extracted with EtOAc. The organic layer was dried and concentrated, and the residue purified by column chromatography (4% MeOH in ethyl acetate) to give 29 (0.75 g, 71%). Step 3

In a manner similar to that described in Example 2, Step 4, 29 (0.35 g, 1.32 mmol) was converted to 30 (0.32 g, 99%). Step 4

In a manner similar to that described in Example 1, Step 2, 30 (0.2 g, 0.85 mmol) was converted to 31 (0.10 g, 25%). Mass spectrum: 473 (M+H).

EXAMPLE 5

To a solution of 32 (0.52 g, 1.43 mmol; synthesized in the same manner as compound 17) and 3-chloromethyloxadiazole (0.25 g, 2.11 mmol) in toluene (10 mL) was added triethylamine (0.6 mL) and the reaction was heated to 75° C. overnight. The reaction was cooled, diluted with ethyl acetate and washed with saturated NaHCO₃. The organic layer was dried and concentrated and the residue purified by flash column chromatography (10% MeOH in ethyl acetate) to give 33 (0.2 g, 31%) Mass spectrum: 448 (M+H).

EXAMPLE 6

Step 1

In a manner similar to that described in Example 1, Step 2, compound 34 (1.2 g, 4.93 mmol) was coupled with compound 21 (1.4 g, 5.43 mmol) to give compound 35 (1.7 g, 74%). Step 2

In a manner similar to that described in Example 1, Step 3, compound 35 (1.7 g, 3.54 mmol) was converted to 36 (1.3 g, 97%). Step 3

In a manner similar to that described in Example 1, Step 1, compound 36 (0.41 g, 1.08 mmol) was converted to 37 (0.2 g, 45%). Mass Spectrum: 471 (M+H).

EXAMPLE 7

Step 1

To a stirred mixture of 38 (2.0 g, 12.5 mmol) and Na₂CO₃ (1.45 g, 13.7 mmol) in acetone (15 mL) was added chloroacetonitrile (1.05 g, 13.7 mmol) and the reaction mixture stirred for 3 h at room temperature. The solvent was removed in vacuo and the residue partitioned between ethyl acetate and water. The ethyl acetate layer was dried (Na₂SO₄) and concentrated to give 37 (2.3 g, 94% ) which was used as is. Step 2

To a solution of 39 (2.2 g, 11.2 mmol) in toluene (20 mL) was added n-Bu₃Sn (5.7 g, 16.8 mmol) and the reaction heated to reflux for 48 h. Additional n-Bu₃Sn (0.5 mL) was added and the reaction was stirred at reflux for 6 h and at room temperature for 18 h. The reaction was cooled to room temperature, 5 N NaOH (35 mL) and hexane (35 mL) were added and the reaction was stirred for 2 h. The aqueous phase was separated and neutralized with concentrated HCl. The water was evaporated in vacuo and the residue taken up in MeOH, filtered, and the filtrate concentrated to give 40 (3.6 g) which was used in the next step without further purification. Step 3

In a manner similar to that described in Example 1, Step 2, compound 40 (0.2 g, 0.95 mmol) was converted to 41 (0.2 g, 47%). Mass spectrum: 448 (M+H).

EXAMPLE 8

Step 1

To a solution of 38 (2.57 g, 16 mmol) in THF (30 mL) was added propargyl bromide (1.34 g, 8.98 mmol) and the reaction heated to reflux overnight. After cooling to room temperature, the reaction was diluted with CH₂Cl₂ and washed with 1 N NaOH. The organic layer was dried and concentrated to give a residue which was purified by flash column chromatography (5% ethyl acetate in hexane) to give 42 (1.31 g, 75%). Mass spectrum: 196 (M+H). Step 2

To a solution of 42 (0.5 g, 2.56 mmol) in toluene (10 mL) was added trimethylsilyl azide (0.62 g, 5.12 mmol) and the reaction was heated to reflux for 18 h. The reaction was cooled to room temperature, additional trimethylsilyl azide was added (0.7 mL). The reaction was stirred at 50° C. for 8 days and 110° C. for 10 days. The solvent was evaporated in vacuo, MeOH (100 mL) was added, and the MeOH removed in vacuo. The residue so obtained was chromatographed (4% MeOH in ethyl acetate) to give 43 (0.5 g, 82%) Mass spectrum: 239 (M+H). Step 3

In a manner similar to that described in Example 2, Step 4, Compound 43 (0.5 g, 2.1 mmol) was converted to compound 44 (0.44 g, 100%). Step 4

In a manner similar to that described in Example 1, Step 2, 44 (0.25 g, 1.2 mmol) and 21 (0.36, 1.4 mmol) were converted to 45 (0.11 g, 20%). Mass spectrum: 447 (M+H).

EXAMPLE 9

Step 1

A solution of compound 46 (2 g, 7.5 mmol), 19 (1.6 g, 8.2 mmol) and triethylamine (3.1 mL) in toluene (30 mL) was heated to reflux overnight. The solvent was evaporated and the residue partitioned between ethyl acetate and saturated NaHCO₃. The organic layer was dried and concentrated and the residue purified by flash column chromatography (30% ethyl acetate in hexane) to give 47 (1.6 g, 78%). Step 2

In a manner similar to that described in Example 1, Step 3, 47 (1.6 g, 4.3 mmol) was converted to 48 (1.5 g, 100%). Step 3

In a manner similar to that described in Example 1, Step 2, 48 (0.38 g, 1.1 mmol) was converted to 49 (0.15 g, 35%). Mass spectrum: 475 (M+H).

EXAMPLE 10

To a suspension of 32 (0.5 g, 1.14 mmol) in acetonitrile (5 mL) was added diisopropylethylamine (0.59 g, 4.56 mmol) followed after 10 min by 50 (0.23 g, 1.37 mmol). The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 48 h. The acetonitrile was removed, xylene (10 mL) was added and the reaction refluxed overnight. The reaction was cooled, diluted with ethyl acetate and washed with water. The organic layer was dried and concentrated and chromatographed (10% to 20% MeOH in ethyl acetate) to give 51 (0.13 g, 25%). Mass spectrum: 463 (M+H).

EXAMPLE 11

A solution of 25 (0.13 g, 0.27 mmol) in 1:1 5% HCl in DME/water (4 mL) was heated to 60° C. for 6 h. The reaction was cooled to room temperature, saturated NaHCO₃ and solid NaCl was added and the mixture was extracted with CH₂Cl₂. The combined organic layers were dried, concentrated and the residue purified by flash column chromatography (5-10% NH₃/MeOH in CH₂Cl₂) to give 52 (40 mg, 31%). Mass spectrum: 473 (M+).

EXAMPLE 12

Step 1

Compound 53 (3.6 g, 29.1 mmol), ethyl isonipecotate (5.8 g, 36.4 mmol) and Ti(OiPr)₄ (10.3 g, 36.4 mmol) were combined and stirred at room temperature overnight. CH₂Cl₂ (100 mL) was added followed by NaBH(OAc)₃ (8.6 g, 40.8 mmol) and the reaction stirred overnight. Saturated NaHCO₃ was added and the mixture filtered through Celite. The filter cake was washed with additional CH₂Cl₂, and the combined filtrates were washed with saturated NaHCO₃ and dried. Concentration gave a residue which was purified by flash column chromatography (8% MeOH in ethyl acetate) to give 54 (5 g, 83%). Mass spectrum: 277 (M+H). Step 2

In a manner similar to that described in Example 4, Step 2, 54 (1 g, 3.6 mmol) was converted to 55 (0.4 g, 37%). Mass spectrum: 293 (M+H). Step 3

In a manner similar to that described in Example 2, Step 4, 55 (0.4 g, 1.4 mmol) was converted to 56 (0.4 g, 100%). Step 4

In a manner similar to that described in Example 1, Step 2, 56 (0.38 g, 1.6 mmol) was converted to 57 (0.36 g, 47%). Mass spectrum: 505 (M+H).

Using the procedures described in Examples 1-12, the compounds in Table 1 were synthesized:

TABLE 1 Compound Number Starting Material Product 58

59

60

61

62

63

64

65

52

53

EXAMPLE 13

Step 1

Dissolved amine 68 (25.0 g, 0.134 mol) in CH₂Cl₂ (500 mL) and added 3 A sieves (25 g), 3-chlorobenzaldehyde (28.3 g, 0.201 mol), and sodium triacetoxyborohydride (42.6 g, 0.201 mol). Stirred at 23° C. for 16 h and filtered. Washed filtrate with saturated NaHCO₃ then saturated NaCl. Dried organic extract (MgSO₄), filtered, and concentrated. Purified by silica gel chromatography (eluant: 20% EtOAc-hexane) to give 31.0 g (0.100 mol, 74% ) of the product 69 as a yellow oil. MS (ES for M+1): m/e 312. Step 2

Dissolved compound 69 (27.0 g, 0.087 mol) in CH₂Cl₂ (500 mL) and added 1.0 N HCl in ether (275 mL, 0.275 mol). Stirred at 23° C. for 96 h. Filtered and washed with ether to give 20.0 g of the dihydrochloride salt of compound 70. Dissolved the dihydrochloride salt in 1 N NaOH (500 mL) and extracted with EtOAc. Dried combined organic extracts (MgSO₄), filtered, and concentrated to give 14.9 g (0.071 mol, 82%) of the product 70 as a yellow oil. MS (ES for M+1): m/e 211. Step 3

Combined compound 70 (13.03 g, 0.062 mol), N-tBOC-isonipecotic acid (21.38 g, 0.093 mol), HOBT (16.28 g, 0.12 mol), and DEC (23.01 g, 0.12 mol) in CH₂Cl₂ (400 mL). Stirred at 23° C. for 4 h. Added 2 N NaOH and extracted with CH₂Cl₂. Dried combined organic extracts (MgSO₄), filtered, and concentrated. Purified by silica gel chromatography (eluant: CH₂Cl₂ then 2% MeOH with NH₃—CH₂Cl₂) to give 25.0 g (0.059 mol, 95%) of the product 71 as a yellow oil. MS (ES for M+1): m/e 422. Step 4

Dissolved compound 71 (20.0 g, 0.048 mol) in CH₂Cl₂ (250 mL) and cooled to 0° C. Added TFA (50 mL) and stirred at 23° C. for 3 h. Concentrated, added 6.25 N NaOH, and extracted with CH₂Cl₂. Dried combined organic extracts (MgSO₄), filtered, and concentrated. Purified by silica gel chromatography (eluant: CH₂Cl₂ then 5% MeOH with NH₃—CH₂Cl₂) to give 7.18 g (0.022 mol, 47%) of the product 72 as a yellow oil. MS (ES for M+1): m/e 322. Step 5

Dissolved compound 72 (255 mg, 0.79 mmol) in CH₂Cl₂ (10 mL) and cooled to 0° C. Added triethylamine (158 mg, 0.22 mL, 1.56 mmol) and mesyl chloride (115 mg, 0.078 mL, 1.01 mmol). Warmed to 23° C. and stirred for 16 h. Added saturated NaHCO₃ and extracted with CH₂Cl₂. Dried combined organic extracts (MgSO₄), filtered, and concentrated. Purified by silica gel chromatography (eluant: CH₂Cl₂ then 2% MeOH with NH₃—CH₂Cl₂) to give 164 mg (0.41 mmol, 52%) of the product 73 as a white foam. MS (ES for M+1): m/e 400.

Following the above procedure compound 74 was prepared:

(MS(ES) 462 (M+1)).

EXAMPLE 14

Dissolved compound 72 (250 mg, 0.78 mmol) and triethylamine (158 mg, 0.22 mL, 1.56 mmol) in CH₂Cl₂ (10 mL) and cooled to 0° C. Added benzoyl chloride (142 mg, 0.12 mL, 1.01 mmol). Warmed to 23° C. and stirred for 16 h. Added saturated NaHCO₃ and extracted with CH₂Cl₂. Dried combined organic extracts (MgSO₄), filtered, and concentrated. Purified by silica gel chromatography (eluant: CH₂Cl₂ then 3% MeOH with NH₃—CH₂Cl₂) to give 191 mg (0.45 mmol, 58%) of the product 75 as a white foam. MS (ES for M+1): m/e 426.

Following the above procedure compound 76 was prepared:

(MS(ES) 427 (M+1)).

EXAMPLE 15

Dissolved compound 72 (250 mg, 0.78 mmol) and triethylamine (158 mg, 0.22 mL, 1.56 mmol) in dry THF (10 mL). Added phenylisocyanate (120 mg, 0.11 mL, 1.0 mmol) and stirred at 23° C. for 16 h. Added water and extracted with EtOAc. Dried combined organic extracts (MgSO₄), filtered, and concentrated. Purified by silica gel chromatography (eluant: CH₂Cl₂ then 3% MeOH with NH₃—CH₂Cl₂) to give 170 mg (0.39 mmol, 50%) of the product 77 as a white foam. MS (ES for M+1): m/e 441.

Following the above procedure compound 78 was prepared:

(MS(ES) 407 (M+1)).

EXAMPLE 16

Combined compound 72 (550 mg, 1.71 mmol), benzaldehyde (109 mg, 1.03 mmol), 0.5 g of crushed 3A sieves, and sodium triacetoxyborohydride (347 mg, 1.64 mmol) in 2:1 CH₂Cl₂:EtOH (15 mL). Stirred at 23° C. for 16 h. Added saturated NaHCO₃ and extracted with CH₂Cl₂. Dried combined organic extracts (MgSO₄), filtered, and concentrated. Purified by silica gel chromatography (eluant: CH₂Cl₂ then 3% MeOH with NH₃—CH₂Cl₂) to give 260 mg (0.63 mmol, 37%) of the product 79 as a white foam. MS (ES for M+1): m/e 412.

Following the above procedure the compounds in Table 2 were prepared.

TABLE 2 Compound Number Compound MS (ES) 80

442 (M + 1) 81

469 (M + 1) 82

413 (M + 1) 83

413 (M + 1) 84

429 (M + 1)

EXAMPLE 17 General Procedure for Reductive Amination, Parallel Synthesis

A solution of the amine 85 (0.063 mmol) and the aldehyde 86 (0.32 mmol, 1.0 M in dichloroethane) is treated with NaBH(OAc)₃ (0.32 mmol, 0.5 M in dichloroethane) and placed on shaker for an average period of 18 h. Where needed more NaBH(OAc)₃ is added to force the reaction into completion. Amberlyst-15 resin (˜100 mg) is added and the reaction mixture shaken for an additional hour while monitoring by TLC. (10% NH₃ saturated methanol in CH₂Cl₂, R_(f)˜0.3) to ensure no amine product remained in solution. The resin is filtered and alternately washed six times with MeOH and dichloroethane. The resin is extracted by stirring twice, for 30 min, with 2N NH₃/MeOH (2 ml) and rinsing twice with MeOH (2 ml). The combined extracts are concentrated in vacuo to provide the desired product 65.

Using this procedure, the compounds listed in Table 3 were synthesized. In Table 3 X₁ represents the moiety:

(i.e., the moiety 88 is compound 87 without the R¹CH₂-group).

TABLE 3 Compound No. R¹ MS 89

471.1 (MH⁺) 90

429.1 (MH⁺) 91

436.1 (MH⁺) 92

421.1 (MH⁺) 93

459.1581 (MH⁺) 94

379.1 (MH⁺) 95

395.1 (MH⁺) 96

423.1 (MH⁺) 97

413.1 (MH⁺) 98

407.1 (MH⁺) 99

404.1 (MH⁺) 100

399.1 (MH⁺) 101

521.1 (M⁺) 102

423.1 (MH⁺) 103

439.1 (MH⁺) 104

393.1 (MH⁺) 105

409.1 (MH⁺) 106

490.1 (MH⁺) 107

409.1 (MH⁺) 108

409.1 (MH⁺) 109

437.1 (MH⁺) 110

407.1 (MH⁺) 111

459.1 (MH⁺) 112

421.1 (MH⁺) 113

553.1 (M⁺) 114

485.1 (MH⁺) 115

537.1 (M⁺) 116

473.1 (M⁺) 117

490.1 (MH⁺) 118

439.1 (MH⁺) 119

485.1 (MH⁺) 120

439.1 (MH⁺) 121

488.1 (MH⁺) 122

415.1 (MH⁺) 123

437.1 (MH⁺) 124

467.1 (MH⁺) 125

455.1 (MH⁺) 126

423.1 (MH⁺) 127

415.1 (MH⁺) 128

425.1 (MH⁺) 129

459.1 (MH⁺) 130

437.1 (MH⁺) 131

467.1 (MH⁺) 132

397.1 (MH⁺) 133

447.1 (MH⁺) 134

447.1 (MH⁺) 135

397.1 (MH⁺) 136

407.1 (MH⁺) 137

385.1 (MH⁺) 138

369.1 (MH⁺) 139

591.1 (MH⁺) 140

395.1 (MH⁺) 141

424.1 (MH⁺) 142

451.1 (MH⁺) 143

407.1 (MH⁺) 144

409.1 (MH⁺) 145

439.1 (MH⁺) 146

393.1 (MH⁺) 147

429.1 (MH⁺) 148

471.1 (MH⁺) 149

505.1 (MH⁺) 150

527.1 (MH⁺) 151

414.1 (MH⁺) 152

453.1 (MH⁺) 153

464.1 (M⁺) 154

430.1 (MH⁺) 155

496.1 (MH⁺) 156

539.1 (MH⁺) 157

485.1 (MH⁺) 159

395.1 (MH⁺) 160

413.1 (MH⁺) 161

395.1 (MH⁺) 162

435.1 (MH⁺) 163

469.1 (MH⁺) 164

369.1 (MH⁺) 165

385.1 (MH⁺) 166

424.1 (MH⁺) 167

418.1 (MH⁺) 168

505 (MH⁺) Thus, compounds in Table 3 have the formulas given in Table 4 below.

TABLE 4 Compound No. Structure 89

90

91

92

93

94

95

96

97

98

99

100

101

102

103

104

105

106

107

108

109

110

111

112

113

114

115

116

117

118

119

120

121

122

123

124

125

126

127

128

129

130

131

132

133

134

135

136

137

138

139

140

141

142

143

142

145

146

147

148

149

150

151

152

153

154

155

156

157

159

160

161

162

163

164

165

166

167

168

EXAMPLE 18

Library Preparation on Solid Phase

TentaGel amino resin (1 eq.) was placed in a reaction vessel, dichloromethane, FMOC-Lysine (2 eq.) and HOBT (2.2 eq.) were added followed by the addition of DIC (2 eq.). The mixture was shaken at room temperature for 12 hours, then drained and the resin was washed with dichloromethane twice and DMF three times, and treated with 20% piperazine in DMF (v/v) for 30 minutes. The resin was then washed with DMF twice, methanol twice and dichloromethane three times, and dried overnight in vacuo to give amine resin 169.

The amine resin 169 (1 eq.) was placed in a reaction vessel, dichloromethane, 4-bromomethyl-3-nitrobenzoic acid (2 eq.) and HOBT (2.2 eq.) were added followed by the addition of DIC (2 eq.). The mixture was shaken at room temperature for 12 hours, then drained and the resin was washed with dichloromethane twice, methanol twice and dichloromethane three times, and dried overnight in vacuo to give bromoresin 170.

The bromo resin 170 was divided into 24 portions, and each (1 eq.) was treated with an amine (see 172 to 196 below) (5 eq.) in THF. The mixture was shaken at room temperature overnight, drained and the resin was washed with THF twice, DMF twice and dichloromethane three times, and dried overnight in vacuo to give amine resin 171.

The amine resin 171 was divided into 3 portions, and each (1 eq.) was treated with an acid chloride (see 198 to 200 below)(2 eq.) and 2,6-lutidine (4 eq.) in dichloromethane. The mixture was shaken at room temperature for 30 minutes, drained and the resin was washed with dichloromethane twice, methanol twice and dichloromethane three times, and dried overnight in vacuo to give chlororesin 197.

The chlororesin 197 was divided into 7 portions, and each (1 eq.) was treated with an appropriate amine (see 202 to 208 below) (5 eq.) in DMSO. The mixture was shaken at room temperature overnight, drained and the resin was washed with methanol twice, dichloromethane twice, methanol twice and dichloromethane three times, and dried in vacuo to give amine resin 201.

The amine resin 201 was divided into 2 reaction vessels, and each was treated with 2% HOAc in DMF and an appropriate aldehyde (see 210-211 below). The mixture was shaken at room temperature for 30 minutes, and NaBH₃CN was added to each reaction vessel. The mixture was shaken for overnight, drained, and the resin was washed with DMF twice, methanol three times and 10% HCl in methanol, and dried in vacuo to give resin 209.

In the above Schemes, R_(1A) represents the substituents on R¹, R_(2A) represents R¹, R_(3A) represents R¹² or R¹³, and R_(4A) represents R².

Examples of compounds made by the above library procedure include:

EXAMPLE 19

Compound 218 was prepared in solution in large quantity. The following is the procedure for the preparation of 218, which serves as the general protocol for preparation of other analogs.

To a solution of Phenylethyl amine (120 mg, 1 mmole) and triethyl amine (200 mg, 2 mmole) in CH₂Cl₂ (10 mL) at 0° C. was added 4-(Chloromethyl)benzoyl chloride (230 mg, 1.2 mmole). After 30 min., the reaction mixture was poured into a separational funnel and washed with 1N HCl (10 mL), 1N NaOH (10 mL) and brine (10 mL). The organic layer was separated, dried over Na₂SO4, and filtered. The filtrate was concentrated to give compound 273 as colorless oil (260 mg, 95%).

To a refluxed solution of compound 273 (260 mg, 0.95 mmole) in THF (10 mL) was added piperazine (430 mg, 5 mmole). The mixture was under reflux for 1 h and cooled to room temperature. Solvent was removed and the residue was dissolved in EtOAc (20 mL), which was washed with H₂O (2×10 mL), 1N NaOH (10 mL) and brine (10 mL). The organic layer was separated, dried over Na₂SO4, and filtered. The filtrate was concentrated to give compound 274 as a slightly yellow oil (290 mg, 95%).

To a solution of Boc-isonipecotic acid (230 mg, 1 mmole) in EtOAc (10 mL) at 0° C. was added DCC (206 mg, 1 mmole) followed by the addition of compound 274 (290 mg, 0.9 mmole) in EtOAc (5 mL). The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 8 h, and filtered. The filtrate was concentrated. Flash chromatography of the residue gave compound 275 as a colorless oil (390 mg, 80%)

To a solution of compound 275 (270 mg, 0.5 mmole) in CH₂Cl₂ (5 mL) was added trifluoroacetic acid (0.5 mL). After 30 min., the mixture was concentrated, and the residue was dissolved in EtOAc (10 mL), which was washed with 1N NaOH (10 mL) and brine (10 mL). The organic layer was separated, dried over Na₂SO4 and filtered. The filtrate was concentrated and the residue was dissolved in DMF (5 mL). Acetic acid (0.2 mL), 4-pyridinecarboxaldehyde (64 mg, 0.6 mmole) and NaBH₃CN (64 mg, 1 mmole) were added to the solution. The reaction mixture was kept at room temperature for 8 h. EtOAc (15 mL) and H₂O (10 mL) were added to the mixture, and the mixtures were poured into a separational funnel. The organic layer was washed with H₂O (10 mL), 1N NaOH (10 mL) and brine (10 mL), separated and dried over Na₂SO4. After filtration, the filtrate was concentrated. Flash chromatography of the residue to give compound 218 as a white foam (132 mg, 50%).

Following the procedure of Examples 1 to 17 the compounds in Table 5 were prepared.

TABLE 5 Compound No. Structure 276

277

278

279

280

281

282

284

285

287

288

289

290

291

292

293

294

295

296

297

298

299

300

306

309

310

311

312

313

314

315

316

317

318

319

321

322

323

324

325

326

327

328

329

330

331

332

333

334

335

336

338

339

340

342

343

344

345

346

347

348

349

351

352

353

354

355

356

357

358

359

360

361

363

364

365

366

367

368

369

370

371

374

375

376

377

380

381

382

383

387

388

389

390

392

393

394

395

396

397

398

399

400

401

402

403

404

405

406

408

409

410

General Procedure for H₃-Receptor Binding Assay

The source of the H₃ receptors in this experiment was guinea pig brain. The animals weighed 400-600 g. The brain tissue was homogenized with a solution of 50 mM Tris, pH 7.5. The final concentration of tissue in the homogenization buffer was 10% w/v. The homogenates were centrifuged at 1,000×g for 10 min. in order to remove clumps of tissue and debris. The resulting supernatants were then centrifuged at 50,000×g for 20 min. in order to sediment the membranes, which were next washed three times in homogenization buffer (50,000×g for 20 min. each). The membranes were frozen and stored at −70° C. until needed.

All compounds to be tested were dissolved in DMSO and then diluted into the binding buffer (50 mM Tris, pH 7.5) such that the final concentration was 2 μg/ml with 0.1% DMSO. Membranes were then added (400 μg of protein) to the reaction tubes. The reaction was started by the addition of 3 nM [³H]R-α-methyl histamine (8.8 Ci/mmol) or 3 nM [³H]N^(α)-methyl histamine (80 Ci/mmol) and continued under incubation at 30° C. for 30 min. Bound ligand was separated from unbound ligand by filtration, and the amount of radioactive ligand bound to the membranes was quantitated by liquid scintillation spectrometry. All incubations were performed in duplicate and the standard error was always less than 10%. Compounds that inhibited more than 70% of the specific binding of radioactive ligand to the receptor were serially diluted to determine a K_(i) (nM).

Compounds 89 to 157, 159 to 168, 276 to 279, 282, 284, 285,287 to 300, 306, 309 to 319, 321 to 336, 338 to 340, 342 to 349, 351 to 361, 363 to 371, 374 to 377, 380 to 383, 387 to 390, 392 to 406, and 408 to 410 had a K_(i) within the range of about 0.2 to about 600 nM.

Preferred Compounds 93, 276, 306, 317, 328, 331, 332, 333, 336, 343, 366, 367, 374 and 376 had a K_(i) within the range of about 0.2 to about 35 nM.

More preferred Compounds 306, 332, 333, 336, 366, 374 and 374 had a K_(i) within the range of about 2 to about 22 nM.

For preparing pharmaceutical compositions from the compounds described by this invention, inert, pharmaceutically acceptable carriers can be either solid or liquid. Solid form preparations include powders, tablets, dispersible granules, capsules, cachets and suppositories. The powders and tablets may be comprised of from about 5 to about 95 percent active ingredient. Suitable solid carriers are known in the art, e.g. magnesium carbonate, magnesium stearate, talc, sugar or lactose. Tablets, powders, cachets and capsules can be used as solid dosage forms suitable for oral administration. Examples of pharmaceutically acceptable carriers and methods of manufacture for various compositions may be found in A. Gennaro (ed.), Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences, 18th Edition, (1990), Mack Publishing Co., Easton, Pa.

Liquid form preparations include solutions, suspensions and emulsions. As an example may be mentioned water or water-propylene glycol solutions for parenteral injection or addition of sweeteners and opacifiers for oral solutions, suspensions and emulsions. Liquid form preparations may also include solutions for intranasal administration.

Aerosol preparations suitable for inhalation may include solutions and solids in powder form, which may be in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, such as an inert compressed gas, e.g. nitrogen.

Also included are solid form preparations which are intended to be converted, shortly before use, to liquid form preparations for either oral or parenteral administration. Such liquid forms include solutions, suspensions and emulsions.

The compounds of the invention may also be deliverable transdermally. The transdermal compositions can take the form of creams, lotions, aerosols and/or emulsions and can be included in a transdermal patch of the matrix or reservoir type as are conventional in the art for this purpose.

Preferably the compound is administered orally.

Preferably, the pharmaceutical preparation is in a unit dosage form. In such form, the preparation is subdivided into suitably sized unit doses containing appropriate quantities of the active component, e.g., an effective amount to achieve the desired purpose.

The quantity of active compound in a unit dose of preparation may be varied or adjusted from about 1 mg to about 150 mg, preferably from about 1 mg to about 75 mg, more preferably from about 1 mg to about 50 mg, according to the particular application.

The actual dosage employed may be varied depending upon the requirements of the patient and the severity of the condition being treated. Determination of the proper dosage regimen for a particular situation is within the skill of the art. For convenience, the total daily dosage may be divided and administered in portions during the day as required.

The amount and frequency of administration of the compounds of the invention and/or the pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof will be regulated according to the judgment of the attending clinician considering such factors as age, condition and size of the patient as well as severity of the symptoms being treated. A typical recommended daily dosage regimen for oral administration can range from about 1 mg/day to about 300 mg/day, preferably 1 mg/day to 75 mg/day, in two to four divided doses.

While the present has been described in conjunction with the specific embodiments set forth above, many alternatives, modifications and variations thereof will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. All such alternatives, modifications and variations are intended to fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention. 

1. A compound of the formula:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof, wherein: (A) R¹ is selected from: (1) aryl; (2) heteroaryl; (3) heterocycloalkyl (4) alkyl; (5) —C(O)N(R^(4B))₂; (6) cycloalkyl; (7) arylalkyl; (8) heteroarylheteroaryl; or (9) a group selected from:

 said aryl, heteroaryl, aryl portion of arylalkyl, phenyl ring of formula II, phenyl ring of formula III, phenyl rings of formula IVB, or phenyl rings of formula IVD are optionally substituted with 1 to 3 substituents independently selected from: (1) halogen; (2) hydroxyl; (3) lower alkoxy; (4) —Oaryl; (5) —SR²²; (6) —CF₃; (7) —OCF₃; (8) —OCHF₂; (9) —NR⁴R⁵; (10) phenyl; (11) NO₂, (12) —CO₂R⁴; (13) —CON(R⁴)₂ wherein each R⁴ is the same or different; (14) —S(O)₂R²²; (15) —S(O)₂N(R²⁰)₂ wherein each R²⁰ is the same or different; (16) —N(R²⁴)S(O)₂R²²; (17) —CN; (18) —CH₂OH; (19) —OCH₂CH₂OR²²; (20) alkyl; (21) substituted phenyl wherein said phenyl has 1 to 3 substituents independently selected from alkyl, halogen, —CN, —NO₂, —OCHF₂, —Oalkyl; (22) —Oalkylaryl wherein said aryl group is optionally substituted with 1 to 3 independently selected halogens; or (23) phenyl; (B) X is selected from alkyl or —S(O)₂—; (C) Y is selected from —C(O)—, —C(S)—, —(CH₂)_(q)—, or —NR⁴C(O)—; with the proviso that: when M¹ is N, then Y is not —NR⁴C(O)—; (D) M¹ is C or N and M² is C; (E) Z is selected from: C₁-C₆ alkyl, —SO₂—, —C(O)— or —C(O)NR⁴—; (F) R² is selected from: (1) a six-membered heteroaryl ring having 1 or 2 heteroatoms independently selected from N or N—O, with the remaining ring atoms being carbon; (2) a five-membered heteroaryl ring having 1 to 3 heteroatoms selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur with the remaining ring atoms being carbon; or (3) an alkyl group; (4) phenyl or substituted phenyl wherein said substituted phenyl is substituted with 1 to 3 substituents independently selected from: halogen, —Oalkyl, —OCF₃, —CF₃, —CN, —NO₂, —NHC(O)CH₃, or —O(CH₂)_(q)N(R^(10A))₂; (5) —N(R^(11A))₂ wherein each R^(11A) is independently selected from: H, alkyl or aryl; (6) a group of the formula:

(7) a heteroarylheteroaryl group; said five membered heteroaryl ring ((F)(2) above) or six-membered heteroaryl ring ((F)(1) above) is optionally substituted with 1 to 3 substituents selected from: (a) halogen; (b) hydroxyl; (c) lower alkyl; (d) lower alkoxy; (e) —CF₃; (f) —NR⁴R⁵; (g) phenyl; (h) —NO₂; (i) —C(O)N(R⁴)₂ (wherein each R⁴ is the same or different); (j) —C(O)₂R⁴; or (k) phenyl substituted with 1 to 3 substituents independently selected from: halogen, —Oalkyl, —OCF₃, —CF₃, —CN, —NO₂ or —O(CH₂)_(q)N(R^(10A))₂; provided that when M¹ is N and X is —S(O)₂—, R² is a six-membered heteroaryl ring substituted with —NR⁴R⁵; (G) R³ is is selected from: (1) aryl; (2) heteroaryl; (3) heterocycloalkyl (4) alkyl; or (5) cycloalkyl; wherein said aryl or heteroaryl R³ groups is optionally substituted with 1 to 3 substituents independently selected from: (a) halogen; (b) hydroxyl; (c) lower alkoxy; (d) —Oaryl; (e) —SR²²; (f) —CF₃; (g) —OCF₃; (h) —OCHF₂; (i) —NR⁴R⁵; (j) phenyl; (k) —NO₂, (l) —CO₂R⁴; (m) —CON(R⁴)₂ wherein each R⁴ is the same or different; (n) —S(O)₂R²²; (o) —S(O)₂N(R²⁰)₂ wherein each R²⁰ is the same or different; (p) —N(R²⁴)S(O)₂R²²; (q) —CN; (r) —CH₂OH; (s) —OCH₂CH₂OR²²; or (t) alkyl; (H) R⁴ is selected from: (1) hydrogen; (2) C₁-C₆ alkyl; (3) cycloalkyl; (4) cycloalkylalkyl; (5) heterocycloalkylalky; (6) bridged bicyclic cycloalkyl ring; (7) aryl having a fused heterocycloalkyl ring bound to said aryl ring; (8) aryl; (9) arylalkyl; (10) alkylaryl; (11) —(CH₂)_(d)CH(R^(12A))₂ wherein d is 1 to 3, and each R^(12A) is independently selected from phenyl or substituted phenyl, said substituted phenyl being substituted with 1 to 3 substituents independently selected from: halogen, —Oalkyl, —OCF₃, —CF₃, —CN, or —NO₂; (12) heterocycloalkylheteroaryl; or (13) —(C₁ to C₆)alkylene-O—R²²; wherein the aryl R⁴ group, the aryl portion of the arylalkyl R⁴ group, or the aryl portion of the alkylaryl R⁴ group is optionally substituted with 1 to 3 substituents independently selected from: (a) halogen; (b) hydroxyl; (c) lower alkyl; (d) lower alkoxy; (e) —CF₃; (f) —N(R²⁰)(R²⁴), (g) phenyl; (h) —NO₂; (i) —C(O)N(R²⁰)₂ (wherein each R²⁰ is the same or different), (j) —C(O)R²²; (i) —(CH₂)_(k)-cycloalkyl; (j) —(CH 2)_(q)-aryl; or (k) —(CH₂)_(m)—OR²²; (I) each R^(4B) is independently selected from: H, heteroaryl, alkyl, alkenyl, a group of the formula

 arylalkyl, or arylalkyl wherein the aryl moiety is substitued with 1-3 substituents independently selected from: halogen; (J) R⁵ is selected from: hydrogen, C₁-C₆ alkyl, —C(O)R²⁰, —C(O)₂R²⁰, —C(O)N(R²⁰)₂ (wherein each R²⁰ is the same or different); (K) each R^(10A) is independently selected from H or C₁ to C₆ alkyl, or each R^(10A), taken together with the nitrogen atom to which they are bound, forms a 4 to 7 membered heterocycloalkyl ring; (L) R¹² is (1) selected from alkyl, hydroxyl, alkoxy, or fluoro, provided that when R¹² is hydroxy or fluoro then R¹² is not bound to a carbon adjacent to a nitrogen; or (2) R¹² forms an alkyl bridge from one ring carbon to another ring carbon; (M) R¹³ is (1) selected from alkyl, hydroxyl, alkoxy, or fluoro, provided that when R¹³ is hydroxy or fluoro then R¹³ is not bound to a carbon adjacent to a nitrogen; or (2) R¹³ forms an alkyl bridge from one ring carbon to another ring carbon; (N) R²⁰ is selected from hydrogen, alkyl, or aryl, wherein said aryl group is optionally substituted with from 1 to 3 groups independently selected from: halogen, —CF₃, —OCF₃, hydroxyl, or methoxy; or when two R²⁰ groups are present, said two R²⁰ groups taken together with the nitrogen to which they are bound form a five or six membered heterocyclic ring; (O) R²² is selected from: heterocycloalkyl, alkyl or aryl, wherein said aryl group is optionally substituted with 1 to 3 groups independently selected from halogen, —CF₃, —OCF₃, hydroxyl, or methoxy; (P) R²⁴ is selected from: hydrogen, alkyl, —SO₂R²², or aryl, wherein said aryl group is optionally substituted with 1 to 3 groups independently selected from halogen, —CF₃, —OCF₃, hydroxyl, or methoxy; (Q) a is 0 to 2; (R) b is 0 to 2; (S) k is 1 to 5; (T) m is 2 to 5; (U) n is 1, 2 or 3 with the proviso that when M¹ is N, then n is not 1; (V) p is 2; (W) q is 1 to 5; and (X) r is
 1. 2. The compound of claim 1 having the formula:


3. The compound of claim 1 wherein R¹ is selected from: (1) substituted aryl; (2) substituted heteroaryl; or (3) formula IVA wherein each R³ is independently selected.
 4. The compound of claim 3 wherein R¹ is selected from: (1) substituted phenyl; (2) substituted isoxazolyl; or (3) —N(CH₃)₂.
 5. The compound of claim 4 wherein R¹ is selected from: (1) substituted phenyl wherein said phenyl group has 1 to 3 groups selected independently selected from: (a) —C(O)N(R⁴)₂; (b) halo; (c) —S(O)₂R²²; (d) —OCF₃; (e) —OCHF₂; or (f) —S(O)₂N(R²⁰)₂; or (2) substituted isoxazolyl wherein said isoxazolyl group has 1 or 2 substituents independently selected from: (a) alkyl; or (b) substituted phenyl.
 6. The compound of claim 1 wherein R¹ is selected from:


7. The compound of claim 1 wherein X is —CH₂— or —SO₂—.
 8. The compound of claim 1 wherein M¹ is nitrogen.
 9. The compound of claim 8 wherein n is
 2. 10. The compound of claim 1 wherein Y is —C(O)—.
 11. The compound of claim 1 wherein Z is an alkyl group.
 12. The compound of claim 1 wherein Z is


13. The compound of claim 1 wherein R² is a six membered heteroaryl ring or a substituted six membered heteroaryl ring.
 14. The compound of claim 13 wherein R² is pyridyl or substituted pyridyl.
 15. The compound of claim 14 wherein said substituted pyridyl is substituted with —NH₂.
 16. The compound of claim 14 wherein R² is selected from:


17. The compound of claim 1 wherein a is 0 and b is
 0. 18. The compound of claim 1 wherein: (A) R¹ is selected from: (1) substituted aryl; (2) substituted heteroaryl; or (3) formula IVA wherein each R³ is independently selected; (B) X is —CH₂— or —SO₂—; (C) M¹ is nitrogen; (D) n is 2; (E) Y is —C(O)—; (F) M² is C; (G) p is 2; (H) r is 1; (I) Z is an alkyl group; (J) R² is a six membered heteroaryl ring or a substituted six membered heteroaryl ring; (K) a is 0; and (L) b is
 0. 19. The compound of claim 18 wherein R¹ is selected from: (1) substituted phenyl; (2) substituted isoxazolyl; or (3) —N(CH₃)₂.
 20. The compound of claim 19 wherein R² is pyridyl or substituted pyridyl.
 21. The compound of claim 20 wherein Z is selected from:


22. The compound of claim 21 wherein R¹ is selected from:


23. The compound of claim 21 wherein R² is selected from:


24. The compound of claim 22 wherein R² is selected from:


25. The compound of claim 1 selected from:


26. The compound of claim 1 selected from:


27. A compound of claim 1 wherein X is —CH₂—.
 28. A pharmaceutical composition comprising an effective amount of a compound of claim 1 and a pharmaceutically effective carrier. 